When we consider the circumstances of Carolan's life, the social success
that he enjoyed among the Protestant gentry and the material profit that
would doubtless have accrued to him from a change of religion, it says
much for his strength of character that he lived and died a fervent Catholic.

This piece is the only religious music of his to survive. Walker states
(pg. 317) that he frequently assisted with his voice and his harp at
the elevation of the host and has composed several pieces of Church music, which are deemed excellent.

Charles O'Conor, Carolan's student, writes ' On Easter Day I heard him play at Mass He called
the piece "Gloria in excelsis Deo" and sang the hymn in Irish verses as he
played. At the Lord's prayer he stopped; and after the priest ended it he sang
again and played a piece which he denominated "The Resurrection". His
enthusiasm of devotion affected the whole congregation. ... O'Sullivan vol. 1 pg. 82.

Notations are courtesy of Carolan, the Life and Times of an Irish Harper by Dónal O'Sullivan p. Celtic Music Edition 1983.